The Bagnas reserve
Presentation
A real green lung nestled between Agde and Marseillan, the Bagnas reserve looks like the Camargue thanks to its rich biodiversity.
Alternating marshes, ponds, sansouïres and cultivated land, it is the ideal place to reconnect with Mother Nature, but above all to observe more than 200 species of birds, 16 species of reptiles, 9 species of amphibians, 30 species of mammals, 25 species of fish and 418 species of insects.
But it is better to be well equipped (binoculars, hiking boots...) and a good observer to try to spot them on these 561 hectares classified as a National Nature Reserve and Natura 2000 area.
Fortunately for us, several places and itineraries allow free access to observe the ballet of herons, ducks and birds of prey in the sky or the play of stilts, pink flamingos and terns in the fine reeds that now cover this former delta of the Hérault.
So, put on your shoes and set off to discover the Bagnas reserve via :
- The Canal du Midi (moderate level) whose arrival at the time softened the waters of the reserve and created this natural paradise.
- Mount Saint-Loup (moderate level) from which you will have an unobstructed view of the reserve, but also of the Thau lagoon and the Cap d'Agde.
- The Onglous lighthouse (easy level) where you will see the strange spectacle of the waters of the Canal du Midi mixing with those of the Thau lagoon.
- The domain of Mireval (easy level) where the vineyards and the meadows will come to decorate the landscapes of sansouïres which compose the reserve of Bagnas.
If you prefer to stay quiet and simply make a stop on your way, it is also possible to enjoy the reserve from the observation area towards Marseillan-Ville. Just after the Canal du Midi, you can enjoy a clear view of the Bagnas lagoon and the birds there, but you'd better bring a pair of binoculars.
Note that access to the reserve is regulated because of the high stakes involved in preserving animal/plant species and maintaining the integrity of the site's natural environments.
However, it is quite possible to discover the treasures of the reserve through these free access paths, about which we have told you a little more above, as well as during a visit in the company of a guide from the Maison de la Réserve.
You will even have the possibility of exploring it on the theme of your choice: the world of insects, sunset in Bagnas, Bagnas for children, plants to know and recognise, feet in the lagoon, discovery of the birds of Bagnas, the riches of Bagnas...
